Crucial Tips For Preventing A Kitchen Countertop Catastrophe With An Air Fryer

Air fryers are a game-changer in the kitchen, allowing you to make healthier "fried" foods at the touch of a button. But as with any countertop cooking appliance, you need to be careful with where you place your air fryer. Nobody wants to finish a batch of fries only to find a crack in the countertop afterward — and that's exactly what can happen if you put your air fryer directly on top of the counter, as some social media users have discovered too late. This is particularly an issue with quartz countertops, which are not as heat-resistant as granite and require a protective barrier beneath hot appliances or cookware.

Since quartz is a natural stone, some might mistakenly assume that it can easily withstand high heat. But quartz countertops are only made of about 93 to 95% quartz crystals. The rest consists of colorants and binding materials, typically resin. This is a good thing because it means quartz countertops don't need to be sealed, unlike granite. But it also negatively impacts the heat resistance. While quartz itself can tolerate heat up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, resin only has a 150-degree threshold. Still, you don't need to avoid this countertop material altogether. By following these preventative steps, you can enjoy your air fryer while keeping the quartz safe.

There are a number of things you should never do if you have quartz countertops, and this includes placing your air fryer directly on the surface. Air fryers release high amounts of heat in a short amount of time, and quartz countertops may be damaged under sudden extreme temperatures — which includes potential cracks. Additionally, repeated exposure to high heat can cause fading, discoloration, or dark scorch marks in that area. The same goes for other hot appliances like slow cookers or pressure cookers, as well as hot pots and pans.

Instead, all cooking appliances and cookware need to go on some type of barrier. Options include trivets, heat mats, risers, or cutting boards. Choose one that's large enough to cover the entire surface area of the air fryer, and don't forget to check the heat resistance of the material to ensure it's safe. It may also help to pick something non-skid and easily washable. Alternatively, you can place the air fryer somewhere else altogether, like on a microwave cart or island. Some ovens and microwaves also come with air fryer modes built-in, which could allow you to skip the need for a countertop model.